Best Spots for Recreational Flying in Iran

Recreational flying in Iran offers thrill-seekers a chance to experience the country’s diverse landscapes from breathtaking heights.

Flying is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have, offering a unique perspective and thrill no matter how you take to the skies. Recreational flying, in particular, offers a variety of methods for enjoying this breathtaking activity.

You might wonder, does Iran offer opportunities for recreational flying? The answer is yes. Iran has several locations where you can experience the joy of flying for leisure, from soaring above stunning landscapes to gliding through the clouds.

In this blog, we will explore what recreational flying is, and the cost of recreational flying in Iran. We will also dive into the top places where you can enjoy this thrilling adventure in Iran.

What is Recreational Flying?

Recreational flying is a unique experience that takes place in smaller aircraft, quite different from commercial flights. Unlike being a passenger on a typical airliner, you play an active role during the flight! With guidance from the pilot, you get to feel what it’s like to control the aircraft, making it a far more engaging and thrilling experience than regular air travel.

Cost of Recreational Flying in Iran

Recreational flying in Iran is more accessible than you might think! The cost for one hour of flying is around 4,000,000 tomans, which is roughly $65, depending on the type of aircraft.

If you're looking for a shorter experience, a 30-minute flight costs about 2,000,000 tomans ($32). Each flight includes a pilot and one passenger, but if you're with friends, you can book multiple planes.

Top 15 Places for Recreational Flying in Iran

Iran offers various exciting options for recreational flying, providing a perfect blend of adventure and scenic beauty. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling solo flight or a memorable experience with family and friends, there are several top locations where you can enjoy recreational flying. Here are the best places for this exhilarating activity in Iran:

1. Aflak Asia Airport, Semnan

Aflak Asia Airport, located in Semnan, is one of the premier locations for recreational flying in Iran. The airport's air club, located in Garmsar and Eyvanki, spans over 50 hectares. Established in 2013, this facility has become a significant tourist attraction in Semnan, offering a variety of aviation-related activities.

At Aflak Asia, you can experience scenic flights that last around 30 minutes. For those interested in pursuing a more serious interest in aviation, the airport offers flight training programs.

These programs include both theoretical and practical courses, culminating in the issuance of an ultralight pilot license, which is fully accredited. During your recreational flight, you can also choose to have the staff film your journey, capturing the thrill of soaring through the skies.

2. Azadi Recreational and Training Airport, Alborz

Located in Nazarabad, Alborz province, Azadi Airport is one of the most important recreational flying centers in Iran. What sets this airport apart is that it’s the first private flight training center in both Iran and the Middle East.

Established with the vision of promoting general aviation, Azadi Airport now has 60 ultralight aircraft with advanced equipment, making it a distinguished destination for aviation enthusiasts.

At Azadi, in addition to recreational flying, you can receive flight training using the latest international methods. The facility supports a wide range of activities, including industrial, educational, recreational, and research-related aviation operations.

For those with an interest in the technical side of aviation, the airport also has facilities for aircraft assembly, repair, and maintenance. You can even purchase or sell ultralight planes at Azadi, adding a commercial dimension to this bustling aviation hub.

3. Zarqan Airport, Shiraz

Zarqan Airport, located in Shiraz, is another top choice for recreational flying in Iran. This facility offers a range of air sports, including paragliding, model airplanes, powered kites, and colorful hot air balloons. One of the unique services offered here is the “Air Taxi,” which provides chartered flights to nearby cities or even to the Persian Gulf Airport.

Flights from Zarqan provide breathtaking views of some of Iran’s most iconic landscapes, including the Zagros Mountains, Doroud Dez Dam, Lake Bakhtegan, and the ancient ruins of Persepolis.

In addition to recreational flying, Zarqan Airport also hosts aviation exhibitions, allowing visitors to learn more about aviation history and technology. For those looking for additional thrills, the airport also has a go-karting track and a paintball field, making it a full-day adventure destination.

4. Ramsar Airport, Mazandaran

Ramsar Airport, located in the northern city of Ramsar, is a unique recreational flying hub with a rich history. Built in 1952, the airport initially served as a venue for royal ceremonies and leisure flights before the Iranian Revolution. In recent years, the airport has grown in popularity, offering scenic flights for tourists, with up to 179 recreational flights per day.

Today, Ramsar Airport is considered one of the best recreational flying locations in Iran. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the lush landscapes surrounding Ramsar, which has become one of the city’s main tourist attractions. Whether you’re looking for a short scenic flight or a full aerial tour, Ramsar is an ideal destination for a memorable flying experience.

5. Golbahar Recreational Airport, Mashhad

One of the standout locations for recreational flying in Iran is Golbahar Recreational Airport, situated in Mashhad. This airport is a hub for various air sports and a popular gathering spot for young enthusiasts from Khorasan province. Interestingly, this is where Iran’s first private airport was established, marking a milestone in the country’s aviation history.

Golbahar offers a wide range of recreational flight services, with a flight duration typically lasting 15 minutes. The airport serves both passenger and recreational flights, housing a variety of aircraft. Whether you’re a seasoned flyer or a beginner, some of the best and most experienced flight instructors in Iran will be guiding you through the process.

Golbahar also offers the unique service of capturing your flight memories. A team of professional photographers and videographers can record your entire flight, allowing you to relive those exciting moments again and again.

You can even organize special events such as birthday parties, weddings, or family gatherings here. Golbahar Airport is designed to provide the best possible experience for its visitors, making it a top destination for recreational flying in Iran.

6. Khayyam Aviation Club, Mashhad

Another fantastic location for recreational flying in Iran is the Khayyam Aviation Club, also in Mashhad. This club allows you to experience the thrill of flying in small propeller planes or gyroplanes, offering flights in both single-seater and two-seater aircraft. The Khayyam club is under the supervision of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, ensuring a safe and secure flying experience.

If you want to make your recreational flying experience even more memorable, the staff at Khayyam can film your adventure, giving you a keepsake to cherish forever.

Beyond recreational flying, this club offers the chance to enjoy fun activities with friends or even schedule commercial flights. It’s also a great place for creating promotional clips, organizing aerial tours over the Persian Gulf, or even planning a honeymoon with a unique twist. The club frequently offers discounts during holidays and special occasions, making it an attractive option for a wide range of visitors.

7. Afshid Airport, Kerman

Located in Kerman, Afshid Airport is another popular site for recreational flying. The airport is well-equipped with two ultralight aircraft, a control tower, well-maintained runways for light jets and propeller planes, a ramp, and hangars that can house up to 20 ultralight planes.

Afshid Airport is one of Iran's top destinations for recreational aviation, offering professional flight instructors who can provide lessons for those interested in learning how to fly.

In addition to offering thrilling recreational flights, Afshid Airport runs maintenance and repair courses for ultralight planes, adhering to the latest international standards.

This airport provides an excellent opportunity for anyone aspiring to become a pilot, as it offers comprehensive training programs. Over the years, Afshid has issued several pilot certifications, all endorsed by Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization.

8. Payam Airport, Alborz Province

Payam Airport, located near Tehran in Alborz province, is a unique destination for recreational flying. While it primarily operates as a commercial airport, it also offers recreational flying opportunities on weekends (Thursdays and Fridays). The airport provides ultralight two-seater aircraft for enthusiasts to enjoy scenic flights.

Flights at Payam Airport adhere to the latest aviation standards, ensuring safety and comfort for all participants. It’s an excellent option for Tehran residents looking for a quick getaway to experience flying in a relaxed, controlled environment. Whether you’re a beginner or a flying enthusiast, Payam Airport’s ultralight aircraft offer an exciting way to explore the skies near Tehran.

9. Namak Abrood Recreational Airport, Mazandaran Province

The Namak Abrood Recreational Airport is one of the best places for recreational flying in Iran, located in the picturesque town of Namak Abrood in Mazandaran province.

This region is already known for its beautiful landscapes and pleasant climate, making it a popular tourist destination. However, if you’re looking for more excitement during your visit, Namak Abrood’s air club is the perfect place to experience aerial thrills.

The airport offers a variety of air sports, including gliders, paragliders, hot air balloons, parachutes, and kites, all overseen by an experienced and skilled flight team.

Whether you want to glide silently over the lush forests or soar high in a hot air balloon, Namak Abrood provides numerous options to experience the beauty of nature from a bird’s-eye view. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a mix of natural beauty and adventurous flying.

10. Kish Island Recreational Airport

Kish Island is one of Iran’s top tourist destinations, known for its beaches and luxurious resorts. However, it also boasts one of the finest recreational flying airports in the country. The Kish Recreational Airport is equipped with gyroplanes, a type of two-seater aircraft, and offers a variety of air sports.

The glider runway at Kish Airport is approximately 1,500 meters long and 30 meters wide, making it an excellent place for glider training and recreational flying.

The airport also has ultralight aircraft, helicopters, and hot air balloons, giving visitors plenty of options to experience flying over the stunning Persian Gulf coastline.

With a highly trained flight safety team that regularly inspects the aircraft and flight crew, Kish Airport ensures a safe and exhilarating experience for all visitors. The costs for using these recreational flying services are also reasonable, attracting many tourists every year to this beautiful island for a unique flying adventure.

11. Sahand Airport, Tabriz

Located in Tabriz, Sahand Airport is a significant hub for recreational flying in Iran. In 2017, the airport acquired four ultralight aircraft, enabling aviation enthusiasts to experience flying firsthand.

This facility provides a comprehensive training program, requiring students to complete 90 hours of theoretical lessons and 40 hours of practical flying to earn their pilot’s license.

Spanning over 42 hectares, Sahand Airport is one of the largest recreational flying centers in the country and a key location for budding pilots in the East Azerbaijan region.

12. Noshahr Recreational Airport

Noshahr, one of the most beautiful cities in northern Iran, is home to a highly popular recreational airport. The Noshahr Recreational Airport offers a variety of aerial sports and activities, including flying gyroplanes, gliders, drones, and even skydiving.

The facility is staffed by experienced pilots and flight instructors who ensure safety and provide training programs. Students practice their flying skills during 15-minute aerial exercises.

Before flying, all students are insured, adding an extra layer of security to the experience. The airport also provides maintenance services for personal aircraft, along with simulation flights, making it a comprehensive hub for recreational aviation.

13. Shahrekord Airport

Shahrekord, known for its lush greenery and scenic waterfalls, also boasts a top-notch recreational flying center. Shahrekord Airport, while primarily serving commercial flights, offers a range of services for recreational flying.

Visitors can learn to pilot ultralight aircraft, such as the Ranger and Tecnam planes, and choose between 15-minute or 30-minute flight experiences. For those with a recreational pilot’s license, solo flights over the breathtaking landscapes of Shahrekord are possible, creating unforgettable memories.

14. Yasuj Recreational Airport

Yasuj, located in the southwestern part of Iran, features a small but well-equipped recreational flying airport. Established in 1994, Yasuj Airport initially served limited flights, but today, it has expanded to offer both commercial and recreational services.

The airport operates two ultralight aircraft used for both flying lessons and leisure flights. The scenic surroundings of Yasuj, with its natural beauty and mountainous terrain, provide an ideal backdrop for thrilling aerial experiences.

15. Aseman Meybod Airport, Yazd

Surprisingly, Meybod, a city in Yazd province, is home to one of the best recreational flying centers in Iran. Covering an area of 90 hectares, with 60 hectares dedicated to runways, it offers various aerial sports such as gyroplane flying, motorized kites, paragliding, paramotors, and four-seater ultralight aircraft. After completing a three-month training program, students can earn their recreational pilot’s license and even purchase their own aircraft.

The airport is equipped with a control tower, maintenance hangars, and a large assembly hall, ensuring safety and providing top-tier services for aviation enthusiasts.

Bottom Line

Recreational flying in Iran offers a thrilling way to experience the country's stunning landscapes from a whole new perspective. From ultralight aircraft to paragliders, several airports across the country cater to flying enthusiasts.

Key locations like Sahand Airport in Tabriz and Noshahr Recreational Airport offer professional training programs, while scenic spots such as Shahrekord and Ramsar provide breathtaking views from above.

The cost of recreational flying is quite accessible, with one hour typically costing around 4,000,000 tomans (about $65) and a 30-minute flight costing about 2,000,000 tomans ($32). Whether you're seeking a short joyride or aiming to earn your pilot's license, Iran's top recreational flying centers ensure a safe, exhilarating, and memorable adventure in the skies.

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